On October 7, 2023, the world witnessed the brutal actions of Hamas terrorists as they carried out a horrific massacre, marauding across the border, seeking to kill, maim, rape, and destroy as many lives as possible in Israel.
Among the fallen was Staff Sergeant Roey Weiser, a dual American Israeli citizen who paid the ultimate price while heroically saving twelve of his fellow soldiers. His sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against terrorism and the profound impact it has on families, communities, and nations.
Roey’s fellow soldiers described how his actions directly saved at least a dozen of his fellow soldiers.
One year later, the facts about Roey’s bravery have come to light. While already in a relatively safe area when the Hamas attack started, Roey asked for volunteers amongst his men to undertake a daring raid to save another group of soldiers at the other end of the base on the Erez Crossing, mere meters from Gaza.
Roey’s fellow soldiers described how his actions directly saved at least a dozen of his fellow soldiers, who he helped get to the safe room on the base, even while he stayed in position ensuring that no man was left behind.
Unfortunately, as he led the final group of soldiers to safety, he was ambushed by Hamas terrorists who had lain in wait.
Sadly, Roey was killed, but his swift actions and tactical thinking saved many soldiers and civilians. It was later discovered that as a result of his and his fellow soldier’s steadfast resistance, they managed to halt the terrorists’ movement northward towards Ashkelon and Ashdod, thereby saving countless civilians and soldiers in the wider area.
To those who knew him, Roey’s bravery that day was not an aberration.
From an early age, it was clear that he had unmatched courage and lived his life at an incredible speed. Roey’s leadership qualities were so great that children in kindergarten would follow him. In high school, he was a volunteer firefighter, ready to leap into the flames to save others.
Roey’s soldiers admired him greatly and wanted to prove their worth to him. He was their commander, but also their friend and protector. Everyone could see how much Roey’s soldiers trusted and followed him.
This trust was not unwarranted.
U.S. courts must serve as a venue for justice, allowing victims’ families to seek redress against organizations that perpetuate violence and suffering.
Roey’s story transcends the tragedy of this death; it is also a testament to bravery and commitment. His actions that day highlight a fundamental truth: the fight against terror is not confined to borders or nationalities. As an American citizen, Roey should be remembered not only for his courage on the field of battle against terrorists seeking blood and destruction, but also as a catalyst for justice in U.S. courts.
The legal landscape regarding acts of terrorism is fraught with challenges, yet it remains crucial for the families of victims like Roey to seek accountability. It is imperative that those who support and finance terror are held accountable, not just in Israel, but also in the United States.
U.S. courts must serve as a venue for justice, allowing victims’ families to seek redress against organizations that perpetuate violence and suffering.
Hamas is a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and it is essential that this designation translates into concrete action. Any and all financial support and resources reaching such groups must be stopped, and those who aid them should face severe consequences. We must not only punish the perpetrators; we must dismantle the networks that enable such atrocities.
Achieving justice for Roey and other victims of terrorism should start with civil suits against Hamas’s supporters. By leveraging extant legal frameworks, families can expose the complicity of various actors, be they states like the Islamic Republic of Iran, or private organizations that perpetuate violent Palestinian rejectionism. Roey’s parents, Yami and Noami, have chosen this brave path, which honors not only the memory of those lost, but insists that America takes a strong stand against all forms of terrorism.
Roey’s case should spur lawmakers to strengthen legislation protecting citizens from the threat of domestic and foreign terrorism. Coupled with increased funding for anti-terror initiatives and vigorous support for victims’ rights, these actions are integral to forging a more comprehensive strategy against extremism and terrorism.
We honor Roey’s legacy best by fighting for justice with unwavering resolve.
Staff Sergeant Roey Weiser’s tragic death resonates profoundly with many.
A sticker campaign begun by his parents with a picture of Roey and his favourite quote, “Life is much easier if you just smile,” has seen his image plastered in dozens of countries around the world.
His family also initiated a fund in his honor, “Remember Roey,” to help underprivileged soldiers in his beloved Golani Unit.
Terrorism knows no boundaries and affects everyone. As they seek justice for him and the countless others touched by such violence, the courts can become a beacon of hope and accountability to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure their ultimate defeat to bring peace, security, and prosperity to the Middle East region.
We honor Roey’s legacy best by fighting for justice with unwavering resolve. May his heroism inspire us to hold his killers accountable and ensure that those who sacrificed their lives in defense of others are never forgotten. Now is the time for all of us to act.
Click here to reach the Remember Roey Foundation page.
